I get an “authentication failed” message when I try to sign in with my Apple ID during iCloud setup on my iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

I get an “Unsupported Apple ID” error when I try to sign in to iCloud from my iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

Depending on how you created your Apple ID, you might not be able to set up iCloud with your current Apple ID. If your Apple ID works with the iTunes Store, App Store, Game Center, FaceTime, or other Apple services, your Apple ID should work for iCloud. Contact iCloud Support for help.

I can't sign in to iCloud on my Mac due to an authentication request

Verify that your macOS user account has administrator privileges. If you're logged in to your computer as a standard user without administrator privileges, you might receive an authentication alert: “System Preferences is trying to modify the Directory Services configuration.” Enter the administrator's name and password to allow System Preferences to modify the configuration.

To log in as an administrator (OS X Lion 10.7.5 or later):

From the Apple () menu, select Log Out Username.

Click the Log out button.

From the login screen, select an admin user to log in.

I can't sign in to iCloud on my Mac due to an alert stating that my email address has not been verified

If you can't sign in due to the alert “Account not verified - Check your email for instructions for verifying your account:”

Close and reopen iCloud preferences before attempting to sign in to iCloud again.

If that does not resolve the issue, check your email folder and Junk folder for a verification email sent from Apple.

If there is no verification email in your email folder or Junk folder, click the Resend Verification Email button in iCloud preferences.

I get an incorrect user name or password alert when attempting to sign in at iCloud.com, in iCloud preferences, in iCloud for Windows, or in a third-party app

Make sure that you're entering your entire Apple ID when you sign in (for example, if your Apple ID is username@me.com, make sure that you aren't trying to sign in with just “username”).

Verify that the Caps Lock key is not enabled. All passwords are case sensitive.

If you use your Apple ID to sign in to third-party apps, make sure that you have two-factor authentication and sign in with an app-specific password. If you don’t have devices that can be updated to iOS 9 or OS X El Capitan, you can use two-step verification instead.You can see if you have two-factor authentication or two-step verification from your iOS device. Go to Settings > [your name] > Password & Security. You might need to enter your Apple ID password.

If you use the same Apple ID for iCloud as you do for other Apple Services, (for example, Apple Online Store, iTunes Store, or Mac App Store), changing your Apple ID password also changes your password for the other Apple services. Make sure that you sign in to those services using your new password. Also, be sure to generate new app-specific passwords for any third-party apps that might use your Apple ID. For example, any mail services not provided by Apple that you use with iCloud email.

I received a message that I’ve reached or exceeded my iCloud storage limit

After I sign in with my Apple ID, I'm prompted to enter additional information

iCloud might require some additional information that is not currently associated with your Apple ID. When prompted, enter the required information to continue.

When I attempt to set up iCloud, I'm notified that iCloud is not available in my country or region

iCloud isn't available in all countries or regions. If you're in a country or region where iCloud is available and you feel that you've received this message in error, contact Apple Support.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Risks are inherent in the use of the Internet. Contact the vendor for additional information. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.